Neapolitan Republic

The Neapolitan Republic was a short-lived republic that existed in the Italian city of Naples from 7 July 1647 to 5 April 1648. The republic was first proclaimed as the result of a populist rebellion led by the fish merchant Masaniello against the Habsburg Spanish rulers, and the first revolution was crushed when Masaniello was assassinated and when John of Austria the Younger bombarded the city. However, a second revolt broke out under Gennaro Annese, and the Viceroy's army was expelled and a republic declared once more. On 15 November 1647, Henry II, Duke of Guise was invited to Naples to head the republic, but the nobles still controlled the land around the city from Aversa, and the Spanish Army controlled the lines around the city. Even thoough the Duke of Guise was able to conquer Aversa, King Felipe IV of Spain sent spies and agitators into the city to turn the remaining nobles against the Duke of Guise, and the city fell on 5 April 1648. The French Navy failed to reconquer Naples with a landing at the island of Procida, as the people were unwilling to support them. On 4 August 1648, the French again attempted to reconquer Naples, but they were repulsed by the Spanish Navy near Ischia, Pozzuoli, and Salerno. Soon after, Annese was executed for treason.